Despite the alarming number of goals that have been evading Jerzy Dudek, there was one comfort that we could take from the opening forays in the battle for premiership supremacy. The utter turn around in Liverpool's approach to games would surely mean that the days of reds' fans biting their nails down to the bone whilst their team desperately clung on to a one goal lead were over. But three times already this season - twice with disastrous consequences - the reds have made leaving the ground early an impossibility.
However, this year our late insecurities have not arisen from a lack of attacking impetus or a desire to simply sit on a lead. A stream of missed chances has been the only thing between us and a maximum 21 points from our 7 games so far.
Our game with newly promoted West Brom was a similar story. At times Liverpool were irresistible, carving open the resolute Albion defence at will and they should have had much more to show for their endeavors than the 1-0 lead they held until stoppage time.
Looking at the Liverpool line-up before kick-off Albion boss Gary Megson must have feared a backlash from the reds' midweek disappointment in Valencia. This was perhaps the most attack minded team that Gerard Houllier had fielded all season.
The marauding Johnny Riise replaced Djimi Traore at left back and Bruno Cheyrou was brought in to play behind Michael Owen and Bolton hero Milan Baros, and a convincing win was all that appeared to be on the agenda in the September sun at Anfield.
That looked on the cards as early chances fell to Murphy and Owen, and Russell Hoult was forced into a magnificent low save from an equally fine Gerrard shot. Alongside the excellent Owen, Baros was providing a lot of the attacking spark, with some intelligent and powerful runs into the channels. The Albion rearguard were at a loss as to how to deal with the young Czech.
The lack of width employed by Houllier's 'diamond' formation meant that at times, the reds became a little too preoccupied with trying to play through the visitors as opposed to around them. Some clever runs from Murphy coupled with Cheyrou's intricate passing meant that more often than not the reds were able to achieve that objective.
At the back, Liverpool looked in almost total control, with the returning Stephane Henchoz displaying a master class in central defending. A slightly fortuitous but aesthetically pleasing escape, from the attentions of Jason Roberts had the Anfield crowd on its feet. Henchoz really was magnificent today, and his skills as a footballer as well as a defender continue to bring in some well deserved plaudits. Could anyone really argue that he is as important to this team as any other individual?
Just when it seemed as if Albion had weathered the storm, Michael Owen found himself in a race with Russell Hoult in the penalty area, and as the inevitable result of an Owen victory arose, the keeper really had no choice but to haul down the European Footballer of the Year. Equally referee David Elleray had no choice but to dismiss the former Derby man, who wouldn't even look at Elleray and simply waited for the cheers before making his way back to the dressing room.
I'm not really sure just how many people felt as if Owen would tuck away the penalty, but I wasn't one of them. It seemed as if the silence which followed his tame spot kick was almost one of acceptance. There were certainly no shocked oooh's and ahhh's as Joe Murphy saved easily down low to his right. Without wanting criticise Michael, the time has come for him to be relieved of his penalty taking duties. This was his seventh miss from the spot and they certainly aren't helping him, let alone the team.
There was to be yet more frustration for Owen, as a gorgeous turn saw him again clear on goal, as he opened his body in trademark fashion to curl the ball into the corner. Unfortunately his shot drifted just wide of the far post.
Having conceded a penalty themselves, Albion can consider themselves unlucky to be denied one almost as blatant, as Hyypia appeared to bring down the superb Jason Roberts after being skinned for pace. This time Elleray said no.
Despite Albion being reduced to 10 men, at half I time, I couldn't help think that we'd have been far better off if Hoult had not brought down Owen. It would have been the number 10's first goal from open play all season, which may very well have opened the floodgates for the run of goals that we all know is on its way. As it stands, he is still waiting and you can't help but feel for the lad.
Thankfully someone who is having no trouble finding the net at present is the man being unfairly compared to Michael, Milan Baros. His fantastic cushioned header on 53 minutes following an inch-perfect cross from Steven Gerrard was just deserts for a battling display upfront against some really big lads.
There is no finer sight in football than a player kissing the team badge (Unless they happen to play for Everton in which case they'll probably be moving on to bigger and better things within a matter of weeks) and despite his football doing a good enough job of endearing him to the fans, kissing the Liverbird upon his chest won't do him any harm either. Nice one Milan lad.
From that point on the chances would begin to flow as the reds began to run riot. Owen's luck refused to improve as two fine strikes, first a volley deflected over and then a ferocious strike from SuperDan's pull-back was well blocked by Joe Murphy.
Further chances would follow for Cheyrou, whose long distance shooting looks as if it will be a potent weapon once he finds his range. I thought Bruno had an excellent game today. I'm not sure that he needlessly gave the ball away once, and he showed an eye for the killer pass on a number of occasions. His will to fight to win the ball back was also a lot more impressive than it has been in previous outings. One feels there is so much more to come from him.
Cheyrou was impressive, but Steven Gerrard was the pick of an excellent bunch. The game totally revolved around him and as usual it was ultra rare that anybody dared to try and get the better of him. With his fitness issues now seemingly behind him, Gerrard looks set to embark on his best ever season.
A slight air of lethargy began to creep into the reds play as time wore on as they simply seemed happy to knock the ball around instead of surging forward for the clincher. And soon enough that 10 minute butt-clench that we have become all too familiar with, was once again upon us.
Thankfully this time there was to be no late equaliser as John Arne Riise's stoppage time strike sealed all three points. Some fine skill from the ultra-confident Danny Murphy - who again preformed well - found Owen at the back post who did well to pull back for JAR, whose first time effort rattled in off the post.
As fine a finish as it proved to be, I'm sure GH will want to know exactly what his left-back was doing in the penalty area in stoppage time in the first place! You've gotta love Riise.
So despite our early season worries Liverpool are up to second place, just two points behind Arsenal. Steph is back, Babbel is on the brink and Carra is looking back to his best. Hopefully this will be the start of another run of trademark reds clean sheets.
In midfield Hamann has been absolutely outstanding and Murphy and Gerrard's summer off has seen them both come back better than ever. Cheyrou is beginning to settle in, despite those white boots!
In attack we have an embarrassment of riches, with El-Hadji Diouf now seemingly relegated to fourth choice; a very nice problem for the manager. A little bit of luck for our prize asset wouldn't go amiss though.
Team: Jerzy Dudek; Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia, Stephane Henchoz, John Arne Riise; Danny Murphy, Steven Gerrard, Didi Hamann, Bruno Cheyrou (Salif Diao); Milan Baros (Emile Heskey), Michael Owen:
